<rss xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0">
  <channel>
    <title>Comments by Maryam Nur</title>
    <description>Most recent public comments by Maryam Nur</description>
    <link>https://nowcomment.com/users/133698</link>
    <atom:link rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" href="https://nowcomment.com/users/133698/comments"/>
    <item>
      <title>it</title>
      <link>https://nowcomment.com/documents/347657?scroll_to=3073214</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://nowcomment.com/documents/347657?scroll_to=3073214</guid>
      <description>i think it is interesting that they call black people &quot;it&quot; as a way to dehumanize them.</description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 30 May 2023 08:21:45 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>how does slang add to the text</title>
      <link>https://nowcomment.com/documents/347657?scroll_to=3073184</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://nowcomment.com/documents/347657?scroll_to=3073184</guid>
      <description>I wrote this passage with teens in mind. I wanted to make sure that my language was engaging and appropriate to their age while still tackling a mature topic. My goal was to present a story with real-life implications, but to do so in a way that would be easier to relate to. Two important examples of this are the use of slang and the narrative structure. 

The use of slang helps keep the reader engaged, but it also creates an atmosphere of familiarity. I wanted to make sure that whatever I was writing about could be identified as something that a teen would recognize as their own experiences or those stories/ideas in their own lives that have impacted them. 

For example, the use of &#8220;maw&#8221; in the beginning of the passage offers familiarity for young readers &#8211; it&#8217;s a term of endearment that they&#8217;re likely to use and can relate to. With this use of slang, I hoped to create an atmosphere that made the passage more personal and easier to comprehend. 

The story&#8217;s narrative structure also contributes to the familiarity for the teen reader. By beginning with what happened right before the climax of the story, I hoped to create a story that captured their full attention right from the start, and then slowly unravel the details of the story as it progresses. I sought to create a sense of curiosity that would keep teen readers engaged and thinking throughout the entire passage. 

To sum it up, by using slang and creating a familiar narrative structure, I was hoping to create a story that would be engaging and familiar for teen readers while also presenting a story with real life implications. 

What do you think? How did this passage make you feel? Are there any lines that you found particularly relevant to your own experiences or to stories you've heard before? I'd love to hear your thoughts &#8211; hit the reply button and let me know what you're thinking!</description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 29 May 2023 23:13:02 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>More context about Lizzie</title>
      <link>https://nowcomment.com/documents/347657?scroll_to=3073183</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://nowcomment.com/documents/347657?scroll_to=3073183</guid>
      <description>When I wrote this passage, I wanted to create a particular atmosphere - one of uncertainty and sadness. On the surface, the characters so far appear to have a rather mundane morning routine but there's a palpable tension underneath that suggests something more serious going on. To try to capture this I included details like &quot;shakily&quot; and &quot;ailing&quot; to set a certain mood. I also wanted the reader to feel a sense of empathy towards Lizzie, who seems to be struck with the worst of these troubles. 

Two of the most important lines in the passage are &quot;for a long time Lizzie sat in the chair&quot; and &quot;after a while she got up shakily and went in the other room.&quot; By providing the reader with this bit of inaction we can surmise that Lizzie is not just going through the motions of everyday life, but rather she is processing her own emotions. It adds to the atmosphere of sadness that I wanted to create.

Overall, I wanted to explore the tensions between the normality of everyday life and the heaviness of emotion that feel heavy in someone's chest. By taking a closer look at the small details I was hoping to create an atmosphere of empathy and understanding for Lizzie's struggles. 

What do you think of the passage? What emotions do you feel when you read it? Do you identify with the themes I explored? Can you think of any movies, books, or games that offer a similar kind of atmosphere? Reply and let me know your thoughts.</description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 29 May 2023 23:10:32 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>conversation</title>
      <link>https://nowcomment.com/documents/347657?scroll_to=3073182</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://nowcomment.com/documents/347657?scroll_to=3073182</guid>
      <description>it was very difficult to read this paragraph because of all of the slang and southern speech. however it does add to the story and gives us an image of what people in this time period spoke like.</description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 29 May 2023 23:08:07 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>lizzie and jim</title>
      <link>https://nowcomment.com/documents/347657?scroll_to=3073181</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://nowcomment.com/documents/347657?scroll_to=3073181</guid>
      <description>the first introduction of characters in the story </description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 29 May 2023 23:06:15 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>SIEPT?</title>
      <link>https://nowcomment.com/documents/347657?scroll_to=3070439</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://nowcomment.com/documents/347657?scroll_to=3070439</guid>
      <description>no. slept.</description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 22 May 2023 13:36:28 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>WHAT IS THE CRISIS???</title>
      <link>https://nowcomment.com/documents/347657?scroll_to=3070419</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://nowcomment.com/documents/347657?scroll_to=3070419</guid>
      <description>CRISIS??!??!?!?</description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 22 May 2023 13:27:50 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>How does the use of multiple narrators and time periods enhance the storytelling and thematic depth of the novel</title>
      <link>https://nowcomment.com/documents/346611?scroll_to=3068124</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://nowcomment.com/documents/346611?scroll_to=3068124</guid>
      <description>That&#8217;s when I heard a low, deep voice.

The video starts with a shot of a glove compartment in a truck, and a hand reaching in. There is a mysterious sound coming from the glove compartment that heightens the air of suspense. The hand pulls back with a map of Melahatchie, before the camera zooms in on the glove compartment to reveal a low, deep voice coming from inside. The camera cuts to a lonely street in town with two gunmen in an intense stand-off. Suddenly, a time portal opens, and different narrators from different time periods walk through, each one telling their own story. 

The scenes continue to flit between past and present as new characters enter the portal, each one adding their own unique insight. The camera takes on different angles, with saturated colors and a range of different video formats and styles, and includes comic book-style transitions between scenes. The scene then zooms back out to the truck, and the video ends with a question mark superimposed on screen, asking the viewers to explore the thematic depths of the novel. The video comes to an end with a call-to-action asking viewers to leave a comment on the video if they found it captivating and enlightening.</description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 16 May 2023 20:44:49 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>In what ways does the novel challenge or subvert traditional narrative structures and expectations?</title>
      <link>https://nowcomment.com/documents/346611?scroll_to=3068122</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://nowcomment.com/documents/346611?scroll_to=3068122</guid>
      <description>This 45-second, viral-worthy TikTok video starts off with the question, &#8220;Look, City, just 'cause you the face of...&#8221; overlaid with an energetic soundscape. The camera pans in to show a college-aged African American man standing in the driveway of Alcee Mayes, his weed man. A hoodie is pulled up over the man's head, and he is wearing stylish, baggy jeans and air force kicks. He turns and motions for his friends to follow him as he enters through the gate. As he peers over to the side of the shack, his friends observe the amount of weed stored there &#8211; in full bags &#8211; and exchange excited glances. He quickly acknowledges their surprise and an impromptu beat boxing session among the friends ensues. He and his friends make funny faces to the camera, accentuated with text bubbles and bright colors. As the beat ends, a hand in a fist bumps the air and the video fades out, leaving us with one final question, &#8220;what kind of weed do you guys smoke?&#8221; This video gives off a young, vibrant, and creative vibe. With it&#8217;s catchy beat and vibrant visuals, it is sure to go viral.</description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 16 May 2023 20:43:42 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>How does Laymon address the concept of allyship and solidarity in the face of racial oppression</title>
      <link>https://nowcomment.com/documents/346611?scroll_to=3068121</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://nowcomment.com/documents/346611?scroll_to=3068121</guid>
      <description>This 45-second, viral-worthy TikTok video opens with an ethereal filter applied to the camera, as the words &#8220;Racism isn't funny. It's not a joke. We must stand together to reject all forms of bigotry&#8221; is shown on the screen. A beat begins to play, as the camera reveals a group of people from all different backgrounds walking together, with varying skin tones and hair colors, and all wearing face-masks with the words &#8220;#WeSpeakOut&#8221; on them. 

The video then cuts to a scene of a diverse group of dancers in an urban setting, moved along by the uplifting beats while showing solidarity in the face of racial and social injustice. The camera then alternates between different dancers making dance moves and doing freestyle street moves, with glowing filters and colorful edits applied to the footage. More text, this time about different forms of power and how we all must work together to confront prejudice is then shown, before the scene changes again.

Now we see an image of author Kiese Laymon, and a brief discussion of how he addresses the concept of allyship and solidarity in the face of racial oppression. In the background, there is a voiceover with the following words in italics: &quot;Note to Niggers: Niggardly is a word that has nothing to do with Niggers. Learn to read before complaining Niggers.&quot; This highlights the words of an online comment that serves to remind viewers of the type of hate speech that goes unchecked. 

The video then shifts back to the group of people from the beginning, this time arm in arm and looking to the sky as if in search of an answer. A gentle piano melody fades in and the hashtag #WeSpeakOut is shown on the screen as the video ends. We're left to ponder the question: How can we all stand in solidarity in the face of racial oppression?</description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 16 May 2023 20:42:15 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>What role does technology, particularly social media, play in shaping the characters' experiences and understanding of race?</title>
      <link>https://nowcomment.com/documents/346611?scroll_to=3068118</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://nowcomment.com/documents/346611?scroll_to=3068118</guid>
      <description>The 45-second, viral-worthy TikTok opens with an aerial shot of a crowded street, with the song &#8220;City Be Busting Heads&#8221; playing in the background. A bright, yellow filter highlights the hustle and bustle of city life, as the narrator&#8217;s voiceover begins. The next three seconds feature close-up shots of different characters going about their day, from business men and women in suits to kids in hoods and sneakers.

At the seven-second mark, the video fades into a black and white shot of a group of people, mostly minorities, standing outside a building. An attending police officer looms in the background, as words like &#8220;racism&#8221;, &#8220;prejudice&#8221;, and &#8220;injustice&#8221; drift into the mix of the song. The camera shifts to a larger group of diverse people from different backgrounds, as the words &#8220;dignity, humanity, respect&#8221; appear.

The rest of the video features cutaways to additional scenes of people of different races, ages, genders and classes interacting with each other. At the 21-second mark the music cuts and a text overlays with the question &#8220;What Role Does Technology Play in Shaping Experiences and Understanding of Race?&quot;. A quick shift to a montage of people using their cell phones, followed by a street side mural highlighting minority voices, brings the video to an end on a powerful note, with the words &#8220;Let&#8217;s all collaborate and raise awareness&#8221; floating across the screen. The video concludes with an invitation to leave comments and join the conversation.</description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 16 May 2023 20:40:01 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>How does Laymon incorporate elements of satire and humor to explore serious topics related to race and social issues?</title>
      <link>https://nowcomment.com/documents/346611?scroll_to=3068116</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://nowcomment.com/documents/346611?scroll_to=3068116</guid>
      <description>This 45-second, viral-worthy TikTok video begins with a panoramic, high-angle camera view of a vibrant city. We hear a soulful cover of an old R&amp;B song playing in the background. A bright neon sign reads &#8220;TikTok Heaven&#8221; in bold, dynamic letters. As the music builds up with a steady beat, a group of diverse people in street clothes emerges from the shadows and starts dancing. They playfully jump up and down in energy, shaking their heads and laughing, filling the street with their upbeat positive energy. 

The camera cuts to close-ups of the characters, alternating between a fish-eye lens, slow-motion, glam-style shots and split-screen action as they spin around, clap, wave their hands and tag each other with words like &#8220;You, nigga!&#8221; and &#8220;Your mother don&#8217;t want you to do it but we got to find a way to make it work.&#8221; All the while, they keep moving and smiling, displaying an infectious joy. 

The video culminates in a freeze-frame of the dancing people, all of them gleefully smiling at the camera. On-screen text then appears to ask viewers, &#8220;How does the dynamic words and music of Laymon capture elements of satire, humor, and serious topics related to race and social issues?&#8221; leaving viewers wanting more. 

This TikTok video is sure to be a viral sensation, and leave viewers amazed with its cool, creative production values and unique perspective on social issues.</description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 16 May 2023 20:38:43 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>How does the relationship between City and his grandmother shed light on intergenerational experiences of race and resilience?</title>
      <link>https://nowcomment.com/documents/346611?scroll_to=3068115</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://nowcomment.com/documents/346611?scroll_to=3068115</guid>
      <description>The conversation went on for 45-minutes but the music was too loud to make out, so all the viewer can catch is laughter.

The video will be spliced with cuts and edits that transitions the viewer to various rooms on the first floor of Grandma&#8217;s house, while filters and stickers will add fun and energy. In one sequence, the camera will follow Ufa through the hallway, showing off his outfit from several angles to add aesthetic appeal. In addition, the camera will switch to a couple of close ups and reaction shots. The music will be a fast-paced rhythm and blues track that will fit the uplifting energy of the video. 

The last few seconds will transition to an aerial view of Grandma's house along with a reflective voiceover questioning the audience about the relationship between City and his grandmother, and how it sheds light on intergenerational experiences of race and resilience.  As the video ends, an overlay box will appear asking viewers to comment with their thoughts and answers.  This will leave viewers with a question to reflect on and amaze them with the unique idea of the video.</description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 16 May 2023 20:37:34 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>What are some of the key instances of racial injustice or inequality depicted in &quot;Long Division&quot;?</title>
      <link>https://nowcomment.com/documents/346611?scroll_to=3068114</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://nowcomment.com/documents/346611?scroll_to=3068114</guid>
      <description>This catchy line begins the 45-second TikTok video as the camera pans across a library or study space. We see different people of different backgrounds studying or typing away on their laptops, and the words &#8220;Long Division&#8221; appear in bold letters on the screen as a voiceover begins to share a story of one person's experiences with police profiling. As the story progresses, it segues to clips of people being arrested or detained without cause, followed by a montage of scenes highlighting the causes and effects of systemic racism. Filters, stickers, and edits are used to craft the visuals for the video, creating an immersive and powerful experience for the viewer. The video culminates with muted shots of individuals looking fearful or concerned in their racial circumstances, and the voiceover reprises the line &#8220;You made that move&#8221; in an ominous tone. The video ends on an eerie note, with the words &#8220;Comment your thoughts on this&#8221; appearing on the screen. This TikTok leaves the viewer with a powerful message and a desire to reflect on and discuss the unfortunate injustice and inequality many people experience.</description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 16 May 2023 20:35:57 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>In what ways does Laymon explore the concept of power and its relationship to race in the novel?</title>
      <link>https://nowcomment.com/documents/346611?scroll_to=3068111</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://nowcomment.com/documents/346611?scroll_to=3068111</guid>
      <description>This 45-second TikTok video starts with a close-up shot of Grandma walking onto her porch. Grandma looks determined and her expression is grave, as if something grave has just befallen her grandson. She is carrying a washcloth and peroxide. As soon as she reaches the porch, the scene quickly shifts to her grandson (City) with an injured lip. City&#8217;s expression is a mixture of sadness and confusion &#8211; depicting the uncertainty about his experience that he is feeling. Grandma speaks out with an authoritative yet caring tone: &#8216;Don&#8217;t ask me why, tell me what happened to your lip, City&#8217;. 

A looping, acoustic guitar track plays in the background. Chords contour the soft yet firm determination of Grandma&#8217;s voice. The transition speed quickens and slows to emphasize the magic of this moment and the power of one&#8217;s relationships. A pale yellow filter is used to add warmth and depth to the scene. 

The scene transitions back to Grandma, holding the washcloth and gazing into the horizon. Her expression changes to one of understanding, and of assurance towards her grandson. 

The camera pulls back, giving a higher view of Grandma and City, allowing for a greater emphasis on their relationship. As the video ends, an engaging question is prompted &#8211; &#8216;What is the story behind City&#8217;s lip?&#8217; 

Be captivated by this 45-second TikTok video &#8211; and follow the prompt to comment on the story behind City&#8217;s lip.</description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 16 May 2023 20:33:57 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>How does  City navigate issues of identity and race ?</title>
      <link>https://nowcomment.com/documents/346611?scroll_to=3068108</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://nowcomment.com/documents/346611?scroll_to=3068108</guid>
      <description>This 45-second TikTok would open with our protagonist, MyMy, walking through the city streets as the camera follows her from behind. Adorable stickers/filters would appear to match her movements, such as a cat chasing a butterfly or a sparkling heart trailing her footsteps, as she narrates her story. Steady camerawork followed by creative edits and stylization with split-screens and jump cuts would show the different faces and perspectives of City. Colors and music would shift to match her expanding thoughts on identity and racism. Everything ends as MyMy pauses, looking directly at the camera, posing a final question that encourages TikTok users to comment their thoughts on the topic. In summary, this viral TikTok would empower young viewers by engaging them in an honest discussion about important issues spanning the globe.</description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 16 May 2023 20:32:01 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>How does Laymon use language and dialect to bring authenticity and voice to his characters in &quot;Long Division&quot;?</title>
      <link>https://nowcomment.com/documents/346611?scroll_to=3068106</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://nowcomment.com/documents/346611?scroll_to=3068106</guid>
      <description>This 45-second viral-worthy TikTok video aims to bring to life the importance and complexities of language and dialect. It begins with a hook: two young friends discussing the meaning of the word &quot;nigga&quot; and the audience sees the female friend of color giving her friend a crash course on the nuanced history of the word. To add to the authenticity of the clip, the camera will be focused on the duo's conversation with the young woman's face and body illustrating her points, and the audience will be able to hear the dialect used. Additionally, the video will be filled with creative touches including flashy colors, distortion effects, fast motion editing, and bold typography. The clip finishes with a question -&quot;What do you think?&quot;-that encourages the audience to comment their own opinions and passions for this topic. By creating this video, this woman is using her voice and the platform of TikTok to spread important information about language and dialect to the youth.</description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 16 May 2023 20:30:43 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>How does this novel and chapter help subvert traditional narrative structures and expectations?</title>
      <link>https://nowcomment.com/documents/346611?scroll_to=3068102</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://nowcomment.com/documents/346611?scroll_to=3068102</guid>
      <description>This 45-second TikTok video aims to subvert traditional narrative structures and expectations by challenging the idea of what it means to hold authority, while presenting a unique perspective. In the first three seconds, viewers can expect to be engaged by a catchy and upbeat hip-hop instrumental, while hearing a deep-voiced narrator introduce themselves as &#8220;Coach Stroud&#8221;. Focusing on a short sequence of a young woman wearing a powerful expression, viewers can see her walking with confidence. As the camera angles change, viewers can hear the narrator&#8217;s empowering words, enhancing each scene. Transitions between each butterfly filter are edited in a way that keep viewers on a journey, captivated by the powerful spoken-word performances. The combination of the emotional editing, creative visuals, and satisfying twist to the narrative structure surely will make this TikTok video go viral. In the final few seconds, a thought-provoking question is whispered, as the young woman looks directly in the camera as if talking to the viewers, beckoning them to comment on the video with their own answers. #ChallengeAuthority #StrongWomen #UpliftTheYouth</description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 16 May 2023 20:19:28 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>How does the consistent reoccurrence of the phrase &quot;kindly-pause&quot; add to the humor of the story? Does it add to the humor or is it just repetitive and annoying?</title>
      <link>https://nowcomment.com/documents/346611?scroll_to=3068101</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://nowcomment.com/documents/346611?scroll_to=3068101</guid>
      <description>This 45-second viral worthy TikTok video starts with a Quick Change Scene Transition which shows Coach walking along a beach with his hands in his pockets. The camera pans out and the sun sets in the background with a colored soft focus filter. The music, a playful and humorous melody, plays softly, and Coach stops walking and turns to the camera, and speaks the word &#8220;Kindly-pause&#8221; before continuing his walk. 

As the music continues, the camera follows Coach through a puddle, up and over a hill, and continuing along the beach. With each step, Coach pauses to look up and every time he does, a different change of scene is used, transitioning from a cartoon face, to a cat, to an animal, and much more. Each time he looks up, he speaks the word &#8220;Kindly-pause&#8221; until he finally reaches his destination, at the edge of a pier, pauses and looks out over the ocean and says proudly, &#8220;And scene!&#8221; The camera then pans around and reveals that he was actually on a set, surrounded by a production crew, all of whom start to clap, and a deep booming voiceover saying &#8220;Lets Hear It For Coach!&#8221; 

The scene ends with a slow motion clip of Coach turning back towards the camera showing a winning smile and a wink, before repeating the phrase &#8220;kindly pause&#8221; softly. The video then zooms out and transitions to the TikTok logo with the question &#8216;How did Coach use Kindly Pause to make his story unique?&#8217;, fading out with a 'swipe up to know more' option.</description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 16 May 2023 20:18:00 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>How does the humorous nature of the story add to the witty titles of each chapter?</title>
      <link>https://nowcomment.com/documents/346611?scroll_to=3068086</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://nowcomment.com/documents/346611?scroll_to=3068086</guid>
      <description>This  TikTok video starts off with a humorous 30-second sketch featuring a young woman, Mymy, played by the creator of the video,  a creative coach named Stroud, and a tired and sad-looking character. As the video opens with a colorful backdrop and upbeat music, the audience is immediately drawn into the scene as Mymy and Stroud banter back-and-forth. 

The camera then takes the audience through different angles and filters that capture the playful and humorous nature of the story. A series of fun reactions and sound bytes from Mymy and Stroud are interspersed with witty titles and clever animations to add some quirkiness to the viewing experience.

The video culminates with Mymy linking the viral-worthy TikTok to the message of spreading info to the youth. The video ends with a creative call to action, asking viewers to &#8220;comment and share what knowledge you found that has changed your life.&#8221;  This captivating TikTok captures the heart of the message it is conveying while delivering it in a fun and humorous way that speaks to its audience.</description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 16 May 2023 20:14:34 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>How does City's Grandma's uncomfortable around white people relate to conformity and stereotypes?</title>
      <link>https://nowcomment.com/documents/346611?scroll_to=3068069</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://nowcomment.com/documents/346611?scroll_to=3068069</guid>
      <description>In this 45-second viral-worthy TikTok video, we follow a young woman as she delves into her Grandma's conflicting approaches to language when she is in the car, at home and at the mall. We see her Grandma's reaction to people of different racial backgrounds and observe her Grandma's struggle to conform to harmful stereotypes and her question about how City navigates the disparities on a daily basis. The video starts with a title card that reads: &quot;Grandma's peculiar behaviors around white people.&quot; We then hear a voiceover by City instructing us to listen to what Grandma has to say. 

Grandma is then seen in different settings, conversing with people of different racial backgrounds. We quickly observe her quickly shifting from a hostile demeanor when she is out in public to a warm and understanding demeanor when she is in her car or at home. Through the use of different camera angles, visual effects, editing and creative music, this viral-worthy TikTok video conveys a powerful message about conformity and stereotypes and its effect on real-life people. 

At the end of the video, City poses a thought-provoking question to viewers: &quot;How does Grandma's uncomfortable around white people relate to conformity and stereotypes?&quot; This serves as an invitation to reflection on the themes of the video and prompts the viewer to comment their reactions, sparking an open conversation about this important topic.</description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 16 May 2023 17:15:24 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>What role does critical race theory play in Long Division</title>
      <link>https://nowcomment.com/documents/346611?scroll_to=3067608</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://nowcomment.com/documents/346611?scroll_to=3067608</guid>
      <description>This 45-second TikTok video starts with a close-up of a textbook page as a narrator explains the concept of critical theory. In the next three seconds, the camera pans out to reveal a diverse group of students in a classroom, looking intrigued by the term. 
The video then fades to a montage of students discussing and exploring the concept, taking notes and laughing. Through the use of a split-screen effect and funky transitions, the students' comments and reactions are combined into an engaging visual story. 
At the end, the camera zooms out to show an extreme close-up of an older student shouting the phrase &#8220;Use that in a sentence, you nigger son of a b&#8212;-,&#8221; which is met with shocked reactions and confusion. The scene then fades to black as the narrator intones &#8220;Critical race theory - explore the truth and challenge the norm&#8221;, inviting viewers to think and question the issue. As the music builds, we are left with the burning question - what role does critical race theory play in Long Division?- to encourage viewers to comment, like and share the message.</description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 15 May 2023 14:20:16 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title> In what ways does Laymon explore the intersection of race and class in Long Division?</title>
      <link>https://nowcomment.com/documents/346611?scroll_to=3067606</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://nowcomment.com/documents/346611?scroll_to=3067606</guid>
      <description>This 45-second viral TikTok video introduces a captivating audio sample by author Kiese Laymon. As the spoken word begins to play, we see an animation transitioning that takes us from a divided nation to a united one. This animation is accompanied by a striking combination of visuals, bright colors, and dreamy animations that quickly zoom in and out. The words of the spoken word poetry appear in writing displayed across the screen, allowing us to fully take in Laymon's powerful words. The audio builds as the visuals become more intense, prompting us to think deeply about the themes of race and class. As the video comes to a close, the visual effects and music draw us in to the sentiment of the poem. The video ends with the question: &#8220;In what ways does Laymon explore the intersection of race and class in Long Division?&#8221; inviting us to think deeply about this theme and comment our response.</description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 15 May 2023 14:13:59 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>How does this relate to race and stereotypes?</title>
      <link>https://nowcomment.com/documents/346611?scroll_to=3067602</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://nowcomment.com/documents/346611?scroll_to=3067602</guid>
      <description>The 45-second video opens with a close up of a young Black woman looking into the camera with a softened filter and dreamy music playing in the background. The woman has a smile on her face as she begins to lip sync the lyrics &#8220;I appreciate how it sounds when you say &#8216;nigga&#8217; and I&#8217;m sorry about acting a fool at the contest&#8221; whilst she looks intently into the camera. The camera then cuts to a mid-shot of her standing in a sunlit bedroom, which is decorated with a mix of modern and boho decor. She resumes her lip sync, now moving and pouting her lips to emphasize the words. The next shot jumps to a wide-angle view of the same scene but with her rocking her head back and forth in time to the music and making quirky hand movements to mimic the syllables of the song. On the last word, she freezes with a sass; a glitter filled background shifts and the soundscape changes. The camera zooms in for a tight shot of her face and she winks to the camera and passes on the mic. She then looks away from the camera and the video fades with a question appearing on the screen &#8220;How does this relate to race and stereotypes?&#8221;. A sticker emoji is added and her username flashes at the bottom of the screen to invite us to give our thoughts in the comments and to continue the conversation.</description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 15 May 2023 14:05:02 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>race!</title>
      <link>https://nowcomment.com/documents/346611?scroll_to=3062932</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://nowcomment.com/documents/346611?scroll_to=3062932</guid>
      <description></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 04 May 2023 09:14:01 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>mentions of humor</title>
      <link>https://nowcomment.com/documents/346611?scroll_to=3062930</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://nowcomment.com/documents/346611?scroll_to=3062930</guid>
      <description></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 04 May 2023 09:12:52 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Funny</title>
      <link>https://nowcomment.com/documents/346611?scroll_to=3062156</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://nowcomment.com/documents/346611?scroll_to=3062156</guid>
      <description>this an interesting and funny title</description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 03 May 2023 12:21:55 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>HUMOR ALERT</title>
      <link>https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3055143</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3055143</guid>
      <description>HUMOR ALERT</description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 19 Apr 2023 11:36:34 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Satire</title>
      <link>https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3052592</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3052592</guid>
      <description>Example of Satire</description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 16 Apr 2023 20:04:12 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Interesting!</title>
      <link>https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3052589</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3052589</guid>
      <description>I had never put much thought into a more in-depth image of what LaVander would look like. However, I feel like this AI interpretation is really accurate! I also like how it looks like a painting- which I think adds more depth to the image. Really cool!</description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 16 Apr 2023 20:01:14 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Really cool</title>
      <link>https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3052587</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3052587</guid>
      <description>I think this is a really interesting depiction of this scene! As Hayley said, I can definitely see this as a movie depiction of this part of the book.</description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 16 Apr 2023 19:58:07 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Love it!</title>
      <link>https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3052569</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3052569</guid>
      <description>Wow! I love your image. It is very clear and eye-catching! Do you think that this matches the image of City you had in your head while reading?</description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 16 Apr 2023 19:51:28 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>City AI</title>
      <link>https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3052566</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3052566</guid>
      <description>The character I decided to create was City. Briefly, told the AI that he was a young African-American boy who uses satire and humor throughout the book. I personally think this is a pretty accurate depiction of what he would look like. I imagine him to have a slightly boxier face and a more structured cheek area. </description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 16 Apr 2023 19:41:31 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Chapter 4: Satire and Commentary</title>
      <link>https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3052565</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3052565</guid>
      <description>This chapter employs satire to mock one-dimensional perspectives of blackness prevalent in City's community. He demonstrates his negative feelings toward the appropriation of black culture. Laymon uses City's inner musings and keen observations to brilliantly illustrate how stereotypes confine black individuals, inhibiting their capacity for genuine self-expression. City's experiences serve as a powerful critique of the societal expectations and stereotypes that often limit black identity and agency. Laymon urges readers to critically examine how these narrow notions shape our perceptions of ourselves and others, emphasizing the need to reject these harmful beliefs. By shedding light on the damaging impact of these stereotypes, Laymon encourages readers to embrace their individuality and resist conformity. </description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 16 Apr 2023 19:27:18 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Chapter 3: Satire and Summary</title>
      <link>https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3052563</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3052563</guid>
      <description>In this chapter, readers can see the use of satire through City's fondness of Shayla. City's exaggerated affection for Shayla adds depth to his character and provides comedic relief in the story. This use of satire adds an additional layer to City's character development and serves as a reflection of the adolescent mindset, creating an engaging and relatable reading experience for readers of all ages. Laymon effectively uses satire to highlight the complexities of youth culture and societal expectations in a humorous and thought-provoking manner.</description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 16 Apr 2023 19:05:52 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Chapter 2: Satire and Commentary</title>
      <link>https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3052561</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3052561</guid>
      <description>Chapter 2 of Long Division features Laymon's use of City's thoughts to explore the concept of age and engage readers of all ages. City discusses the principal's age and her relationships with people of different ages, humorously stating, &quot;She's old now, in her early thirties, so you would expect her to have only Black friends in her thirties, but she had old Black friends, young African friends, and super-old friends like Principal Reeves.&quot;This use of satire effectively portrays City's youthful perspective, as he considers 30 to be old, adding a relatable element for readers. </description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 16 Apr 2023 18:54:43 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Chapter 1: Satire and summary.</title>
      <link>https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3052557</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3052557</guid>
      <description>In the opening chapter of Long Division, City Coldson employs satire and sarcasm to candidly express his thoughts and emotions about race and gender. Through his clever use of language, such as the word &quot;niggardly,&quot; which serves as a recurring motif, he employs satirical humor that adds depth and complexity to the story. This use of wordplay not only serves as a source of humor but also emphasizes and builds the foundation for the narrative. Overall, City's sharp wit and clever employment of satire and sarcasm in this chapter set the tone for the rest of the book, creating a compelling and thought-provoking read.</description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 16 Apr 2023 18:35:45 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Gender</title>
      <link>https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3041576</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3041576</guid>
      <description>Here is an implementation of gender in this book</description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 29 Mar 2023 10:39:07 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Kindly Pause?!?!?</title>
      <link>https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3041568</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3041568</guid>
      <description></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 29 Mar 2023 10:37:51 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Subtle homophobia</title>
      <link>https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3041541</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3041541</guid>
      <description>I definitely agree with City here. A lot of times, people will create phrases that will remove supposed &quot;gay connotations&quot; from their sentences. I always thought this was stupid. I'm not gonna say &quot;no homo&quot; if I say something that you would deem to be something that a gay person would say. It's only ever in a sexual manner too. If that's what you think then okay, I don't really care. </description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 29 Mar 2023 10:34:18 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Relationship</title>
      <link>https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3041515</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3041515</guid>
      <description>What is the relationship between LaVender and City? From the jokes, it is possible that they could be friends. I think it is also possible that they are 'frenemies.</description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 29 Mar 2023 10:26:52 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Description</title>
      <link>https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3041025</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3041025</guid>
      <description>I think City is funny. Why did he choose to include the fact that he was none of these things?</description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 28 Mar 2023 10:02:12 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>N-word *cont*</title>
      <link>https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3041008</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3041008</guid>
      <description>Honestly, Brandon, I agree with you. I feel like when reading books by black authors and they use the N-word I feel more connected to them. It kinda feels like they're saying &quot;my n***a!!&quot; to me. It also makes me laugh a little knowing that when white people read this book they will also read that. </description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 28 Mar 2023 10:07:16 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Introduction</title>
      <link>https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3040997</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3040997</guid>
      <description>I like that the author begins the book with an extremely descriptive character analysis. I also think that since the book begins with some humor, it lets me know that I will see lots more in the book</description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 28 Mar 2023 09:55:58 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
  </channel>
</rss>
